Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States.  Victims are often stalked after the initial violence occurs and long after the legal system has taken its course.  Some victims believe the only way to hide from perpetrators is to take on a new identity.  Working with the Wisconsin Coalition against Domestic Violence, I introduced Assembly Bill 379.   

Currently in Wisconsin, the name change statute does not allow victims to keep their new names confidential.  Wisconsin law requires that a petition for a name change be published in the local newspaper three times.  Requiring this type of publication leaves victims with little hope of finding safety in anonymity. 

AB 379 directs the court to waive the publication requirement if the petitioner shows probable cause that his or her safety is at risk and the court is convinced that the petitioner is not seeking the name change for the purpose of avoiding debt or concealing a criminal record.  It also puts in place procedures for the notification of local governments and indicates that the new name is to be kept confidential. 

Victims of domestic abuse are some of society’s most vulnerable members and should be allowed the privacy of changing their names.  Requiring the publishing of their name change sends a beacon to abusers and leaves victims with little hope of ever escaping their abuser.  This bill will allow victims to confidentially change their name and provide some optimism that their life may soon return to some normalcy.   

Four states have already created specific provisions exempting victims from publishing notice of the name change and allow courts to seal the record - California, Montana, New Jersey, and North Carolina. 

Assembly Bill 379 passed the Assembly Tuesday night unanimously and is now available for scheduling before the Senate.

Wisconsin January Jobs Number

Last year we built the foundation for job creation and a stable economy.  Wisconsin has turned a corner in the recession and while we have accomplished a great deal already, there is still more work to be done.  Governor Walker’s goal of 250,000 jobs in four years should remain the bar and I remain focused on creating an environment where job creators can flourish. 

These numbers also lead to optimism when it comes to the state budget.  Indications are that state sales and withholding tax collections are up this fiscal year while Unemployment Insurance claims are down.  JobCenterofWisconsin.com also had a record of 150,000 jobs posted in 2011 leading to reason that Wisconsin is on an economic up swing and building positive momentum.

Forcing consumers to continuously add their number to the No Call List is confusing for consumers and a costly duplication of services at a state and federal level.  Combining these lists and making them permanent only makes sense. This is really a good government bill.  With everyone tightening their belts, wherever we can find efficiencies in government that helps consumers it’s really a win-win for everyone. 

Currently DATCP promotes quarterly registration deadlines which can be confusing to consumers to whom may not remember when and if they registered for Wisconsin’s No Call List.  Consumers also may have registered with Federal Trade Commission but not registered for Wisconsin’s list which causes frustration.  Assembly Bill 634 will be a substantial benefit to consumers as registering for one list is simpler and they will still be covered by Wisconsin’s more consumer friendly laws. 

Assembly Bill 634 will also be more efficient for businesses and will save Wisconsin over $190,000 a year in contract costs.  DATCP has 11 No Call List enforcement agents which would continue to mediate complaints and enforce state no call laws but Wisconsin would no longer spend $190,000 contracting with an out-of-state vender to maintain the list.  No call complaints make up about 25% of the total number of formal complaints received by DATCP. 

Dialing 511 provides you with free real-time travel conditions.  This toll-free number is a useful resource for drivers to get instant updates on the condition of state roadways.  It’s a step forward for road safety and a great use of technology to give people a new advantage over the weather.

As in the past I would continue to encourage you to contact my office with ideas for this next legislative session and on individual pieces of legislation.  Now more than ever your ideas and opinions need to be heard, so we can begin to get Wisconsin back to work.  As before I will continue to work across the aisle to find common ground and move legislation forward.  Please do not hesitate to contact my office at (608) 266-3404, or Rep.Ripp@legis.wisconsin.gov. 

Please share this update with your friends and neighbors within the 47^th Assembly District. If there is anyone you know who would like to be included please respond to this email with their email address. 

I want to remind everyone that my door is always open and you can always visit me at my Madison office in the Capitol (223 North).   Please do not hesitate to contact me with any issues you maybe facing.  You can call my office at 608-266-3404 or email me at Rep.Ripp@legis.wisconsin.gov.  I look forward to hearing from you.